"Stretta la soglia e larga la via, dite la vostra ché ho detto la mia. . .” (Narrow the threshold and broad the way. Now you tell your tale, for I have told you mine )" - Gina M. Miele, Italian Folklore, Chapter 1 - What is Italian Folk Tradition? Welcome to Episode #151: Today we gather to share a conversation about keeping the traditions of ancient Italy alive. Dr Gina M. Miele, Professor of Italian studies at Montclair State University in the US is here to talk about her beautiful book Italian Folklore: Rituals, Celebrations, and Ancient Traditions. Gina is a treasure trove of information and lived experience. Her book Italian Folklore is the perfect companion, providing us a synthesis of the history, the knowledge, the traditions, the secrets and yet celebrating the sacred and the daily, while honouring the folkloric traditions, the oral wisdom, the past, the ancestry and the spirit of the old ways in Italy. Gina is a wonderful story teller, she holds space for the old and the new and shares a way to walk the path between the mystical and the mundane in Italian culture; that many ways, many layers can co-exist, be honoured and celebrated. As a lover of books, the beauty of this work and the illustration is also an invitation. The design is by Italian artist and designer Sylvia Virgillo is another special layer to this book, you will want to hold this work in your hands and open to a page to see for yourself. Italian Folklore is on preorder and released on the 29th September and I thought I would publish this share on the Feast Day of Saint Gennaro of Naples, and there is a reason for that you will get to know at the end of our conversation, a little of that Italian magic is afoot. Enjoy this conversation and thank you Gina for sharing your work with us. About the Author: Dr. Gina Miele is a Professor of Italian at Montclair State University, where she also served as the founding director of the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America. She holds a PhD in Romance languages and Literatures from Harvard University. For many years, she has traveled throughout Italy and Italian - American communities, documenting living folklore traditions and the stories that continue to be shared across generations. The Book - Italian Folklore: Rituals, Celebrations and Ancient Traditions by Gina M. Miele PhD *Visit Gina on Instagram @profgmm Shownotes A Writer in Italy Instagram Substack - At My Table Michelle’s Books Musical Scores by Richard Johnston A Writer in Italy is about travel and life. A place to share the beautiful travel journeys and the discoveries along the way. Italy has many attractions - art, design, architecture, history and the wonderful food culture. Michelle shares her love of books on Italy and the places and regions that have inspired her along the way. Michelle started 'A Writer in Italy Podcast’ to share personal stories and the love of books on Italy that would lead to beautiful conversations with people and like minded souls who share a deep love affair with Italian Culture and the country as a place of beauty and spiritual renewal. Michelle Johnston lives in Australia with her family. © 2026 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2026 A Writer in Italy Podcast respectfully acknowledges that this work is created on the country of the Ngambri peoples and culture, and pays respects to their Elders, past and present. A White Chalk Production Support the show
